Occupant Propelled Support Frame Having Movement Facilitating Feature For Foot Travel Patents (Class 482/66)
  • Patent number: 11850179
    Abstract: An orthopedic device for supporting a lower back of a user includes a mechanical energy store, a pelvic element, an upper body element with a first force transmission element and an upper leg element with a second force transmission element. The upper leg element is arranged on the pelvic element such that it can be swivelled about a first swivel axis, the upper body element is movably arranged relative to the pelvic element, the first force transmission element can be engaged and disengaged with the second force transmission element by moving the upper body element relative to the pelvic element, and the mechanical energy store can be charged and discharged by swivelling the upper leg element relative to the upper body element when the first force transmission element is engaged with the second force transmission element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: OTTOBOCK SE & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Meike Kreutel, Charlotte Marquardt, Torsten Parth, Markus Tüttemann, Carsten Vogel, Jonas Bornmann, Benjamin Schirrmeister, Paula Klinkert, Oliver Mizera
  • Patent number: 11638672
    Abstract: A spinal decompression device from which a user suspends himself with his head up, taking advantage of gravity to stretch his spine and relieve tension in his back. Two crosspieces are connected at their middle portions to form an X. Each crosspiece has an arm near the top and a foot at the bottom, all extending horizontally and perpendicularly to the crosspieces. The height of the arms and their distance apart from each other are adjustable to fit each user so that the user may control the amount of his body weight suspended between the arms during treatment, by resting his feet on the ground. The device is collapsible for easier storage. A safety strap may be connected between the lower portions of each cross piece to prevent accidental collapse of the device. Wheels may be attached to the feet to make the device easier to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventor: Kenneth A Burch
  • Patent number: 11426322
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for moving an exoskeleton (1) receiving a human operator, said exoskeleton (1) having a plurality of degrees of freedom including at least one degree of freedom actuated and at least one non-actuated degree of freedom, the method being characterised in that it comprises the implementation of steps of: (a) when a start request is received, generating and emitting a command to at least one of said actuators so as to put the exoskeleton (1) in a tipping state; (b) in a database stored in data storage means (12) of triplets of: a set of virtual requirements on said actuated degrees of freedom, a controller for said exoskeleton (1) capable of generating commands of said actuators so as to fulfil said virtual requirements by implementing at least one attracting stable trajectory, a stability pool formed by all the points from which the execution of said controller allows a convergence to said attracting stable trajectory; identifying a set of virtual requirements such
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: WANDERCRAFT
    Inventors: Matthieu Masselin, Kien Cuong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10960264
    Abstract: A system for a virtual and mixed-reality enhanced exercise machine that allows a user to exercise while interacting with a virtual reality or mixed reality environment using whole body movements and positioning, and receiving haptic feedback associated with the user's interaction with the virtual reality or mixed reality environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Blue Goji LLC
    Inventor: Coleman Fung
  • Patent number: 10624809
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for controlling an exoskeleton robot. The method comprises checking that a first signal is triggered by a first button, checking a tilt angle after the first signal is triggered, setting an action based on the tilt angle, and executing the action to move the exoskeleton robot. The first signal indicates to change the exoskeleton robot from a standing posture to another posture, and the tilt angle is a leaning-forward angle of a waist assembly of the exoskeleton robot relative to a line vertical to ground. The method utilizes the tilt angle to judge the intent of the user, and thus can simplify the controlling buttons to one or two buttons. Further, the controlling method also monitors the tilt angle to choose a suitable action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: FREE BIONICS TAIWAN INC.
    Inventors: Yi-Jeng Tsai, Chia-En Huang, Ming-Chang Teng, Ting-Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 10617589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a walking assistance robot load compensation system which cancels out the load of a walking assistance robot worn by a walking trainee, the walking assistance robot load compensation system comprising a dynamic compensation part compensating for changes to a dynamic load according to the displacement or the inertia of the walking assistance robot, the dynamic compensation part, which may compensate for a changing dynamic load of the walking assistance robot, comprising: a first plate which is movable in association with the displacement or inertia; a second plate which is spaced apart from the first plate and is movable in association with the walking assistance robot; a connection wire which is connected to the first and second plates and movable in association with the first plate and the second plate; and a dynamic compensation unit which applies resistance force to the connection wire to suppress changes to the dynamic load of the walking assistance robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: P & S MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang Hun Park, Dong Chan Lee, Ki Hong Lee, Jong Hyeok Kim
  • Patent number: 10441493
    Abstract: A mobility device for assisting an individual with limited or altered mobility due to a leg injury or condition. The mobility device includes a rod that defines a longitudinal axis of the mobility device, a foot rest slidably mounted for longitudinal translation along the rod, a seat located at an upper end of the mobility device, and an impact-absorbing mechanism for absorbing impacts transferred from the seat to the rod. The device is configured for securing the thigh of the user's leg to the seat, and securing the foot of the user's leg to the foot rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Brett Francis Adams, Andrew Fan, Nikko George Sadural, Junyan Lim, Jeffrey John Cargill, Sameer Chetan Saiya
  • Patent number: 10406057
    Abstract: When performing actuator control using weight on the bottom of the foot as a trigger, the foot of the user must appropriately touch the ground in order for the weight to be sensed. Therefore, the activation condition for starting the actuator control is limited and, for example, a rehabilitation patient who has one injured leg has difficulty training their step movement using this step assist device. Provided is a step assist device including a providing section that provides an assist force to a step movement of a user; a detecting section that detects a hip joint angle, which is an angle of aperture of a hip joint of the user; and a control section that begins controlling the providing section when the hip joint angle exceeds a predetermined threshold value, according to an assistance plan set in advance for the step movement of a single step of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yosuke Endo
  • Patent number: 10383784
    Abstract: Systems, methods and components of a joint actuating gait training system are provided. The gait training system includes a base support frame and an upper flexion actuation assembly movably coupled to the base support frame and a lower flexion actuation assembly movably coupled to the base support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Patrick Murphy, Michelle Cleary, Shawn Gelsinger, Melanie Jessel, Steven McKanas, Robert Struble, Maciej Pietrusinski, Sheng-Che Yen, Qingchao Kong, Constantinos Mavroidis
  • Patent number: 9981157
    Abstract: A treadmill for providing walking rehabilitation to a rehabilitee is provided. The treadmill includes a base including a belt, a motor interconnected with the belt, and a walking rehabilitation device interconnected with the base. The motor causes the belt to rotate in a first direction. The walking rehabilitation device includes a user engagement structure configured to be removably secured to one or more locations of a rehabilitee's extremities. The walking rehabilitation device further includes a transmission interconnecting the motor and the user engagement structure, the transmission transferring motion from the motor to the rehabilitee via the user engagement structure, allowing the rehabilitee to walk along the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Robert L. Zimpel, Dane J. Langer, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9833376
    Abstract: A walking assistance method may include: computing an amount of exercise of a user based on a biosignal of the user; adjusting a pattern of an assist parameter based on the amount of exercise; and/or generating a force corresponding to the amount of exercise, based on the adjusted pattern. A walking assistance apparatus may include: a pattern adjuster configured to compute an amount of exercise of a user based on a biosignal of the user; and/or a driver configured to generate a force corresponding to the amount of exercise based on a pattern of an assist parameter based on the amount of exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Kwon Choi, Tae Sin Ha, Kee Hong Seo, Chang Hyun Roh, Young Bo Shim, Joon-Kee Cho
  • Patent number: 9314114
    Abstract: A device for assisted walking is disclosed. The device may have a substantially flat top section having a plurality of corners, a plurality of sides, and a first perimeter. The device may have a raised border formed about the first perimeter, the raised border defining a top perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The device may have a plurality of support legs, each support leg of the plurality of support legs having one of a plurality of feet. Each foot of the plurality of feet may be disposed at a distal end of each support leg of the plurality of support legs. Each foot of the plurality of feet may have a rounded bottom portion in contact with a floor, each bottom portion having foot width greater than the leg width, and defining a base perimeter greater than the top perimeter, the rounded bottom portion configured to slide along the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: INSPIRE CREATE LLC
    Inventor: Shannon Marie Davis
  • Patent number: 9302146
    Abstract: The inventive device described in the present application is a combined jumping and walker device. The high of the rope/system is scalable depending on desire length that the user wants it to give the child for a specific purpose—Jump, Walk, Crawl or a combination of any of them. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Abraham Wien
  • Patent number: 9259101
    Abstract: A multifunctional sponge safety baby walker comprises a body (1) and some support legs (3) located on the bottom of the body (1), wherein the body (1) is made of PU high density foaming material and can be made by molding, a manned hollow structure (2) is provided in the body (1), a cushion (4) for a stretching leg hole (4.1) is provided in the hollow structure (2), and the support legs (3) are slidable. The baby walker can be made into various animals and plants styles and art styles with cartoon child-taste, and also can be used as water recreation articles and building blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Bohong Xiao
  • Patent number: 9138609
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus that includes a plurality of dip bars arranged in a non-parallel orientation and supported on an elongated self-supporting stand, which is supported on a base. The self-supporting stand may include a plurality of elongated supports that are spaced from one another. The support and the dip bars may be arranged along first and second parallel planes that extend away from the self-supporting stand in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Abdon Placide
  • Publication number: 20150111705
    Abstract: A portable platform is disclosed that may be switched from a sliding mode to a stationary mode and back again by retracting or extending pads from the underside of the device. The embodiments may be used for a variety of purposes, including moving heavy objects, and performing fitness routines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Hal Walker
  • Patent number: 9011296
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame having two parallel tracks, two platforms mounted on the first track by a sliding bearing, and two platforms mounted on the second track by a sliding bearing. The tracks are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the platforms on different tracks to move freely past each other. A transverse interlock allows selective connection of platforms on different tracks for movement together and a longitudinal interlock allows selective connection of platforms on the same track for movement together. The frame includes cross braces connecting the rails at their ends, and the rails, cross braces, and platforms all include connecting points for permitting the user to selectively connect to and between the frame and the platforms a variety of exercise accessories or appliances. The accessories can include elastic resistance bands, cord and pulley assemblies, handles, weights, and appliances for administering physical therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Charles A. Peralo
  • Publication number: 20150080192
    Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an exercise device is provided as two similar pedestals, each having an optionally compressible base and a set of feet which interlock within a positioning mat. A set of horizontal outer rails attached to the top of each base and a set of perpendicular inner rails, linearly connected to the outer rails and slidable along the outer rails. A user support platform linearly connected to the set of inner rails and slidable along the inner rails. A plurality of resistance members to supply resistance. The said components of the exercise device provided allow for an exerciser positioned and either partially or totally supported by the user support platforms to propel their body parts being supported in an multi-directional space against resistance. The Resistance provided is directed towards a centralized equilibrium position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jonathan Szabo
  • Patent number: 8974353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stair exercise device for simulating stair climbing, the device having a plurality of steps which are activated by the weight of a person walking up them. A stationary platform at the base of the stair exercise device sends a signal to a controller to bring the exercise device to a controlled stop when an operator steps onto the platform. The steps of the exercise device stop in a predetermined location when the exercise device comes to a controlled stop, ensuring proper step location to allow the operator to easily enter and exit the exercise device. Steps have a step platform of a different color than the risers between steps to aid in foot placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mrako A Fenster, Derek L Nelson, Chih-Ming Lai, Kung-Lung Lai, Chieh-Wen Lin, Ming-Hsin Chi, Chinh-Kuo Huang, Yung-Fa Wang
  • Publication number: 20140371036
    Abstract: A machine for concurrently exercising one or more of a user's muscle groups, the machine having a base having front and back ends, one or more linear slide rails, a user support and an engagement member for the user's hands or feet. The user support slides while pivoting during the exercise motion such that the location and angle of the user support is dictated by the linkage mechanism that positions and connects the user support relative to the other parts of the machine. The user support can be caused to move by the engagement member being acted upon by the user's feet only, by the user's hands only or a combination of the user's feet and hands concurrently during the exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph K. Ellis
  • Patent number: 8858410
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus for providing multi-directional training to the body of a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus allows the user to exercise the mid-section, hips, legs, ankles and connective tissues enjoining all the muscles in these areas. The exercise apparatus comprises a support, two foot platforms, and means for attaching the foot platforms to the support. The exercise apparatus is designed to be free standing or to be mounted onto other supporting structures. The apparatus has multiple interchangeable parts, attachments and accessories for allowing several types of exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: BVP Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Piane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8858401
    Abstract: A training apparatus for a Nordic walker has an elongated pole whose lower end carries at least one wheel having a freewheel permitting rolling of the wheel on the surface only in a forward travel direction. A forearm rest is freely pivotal on an upper end of the pole and defines with the pole an angle increasing on forward rolling of the wheel from a position behind the athlete to a position in front of the athlete as the arm in the rest swings forward in the travel direction. A handgrip fixed on a front end of the forearm rest is gripped by a hand of the forearm in the rest and pivots with the forearm rest. A spring braced between the rest and the pole and pivotally biases the rest so as to increase the inclination angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Georg H. Kaupe
  • Patent number: 8821428
    Abstract: A traction apparatus which impresses a desired traction force to a body to be pulled is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ito Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Tanaka, Yoshiharu Ootomo, Toshimasa Sakagami
  • Patent number: 8801007
    Abstract: Knee walker assemblies and methods of manufacturing a knee walker assembly are provided herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to a knee walker assembly that includes a frame, a support platform and a handle mounted to the frame, at least one rear wheel mounted proximate the rear end of the frame, and at least two front wheels swivel mounted proximate the front end of the frame. A locking mechanism is operatively engaged with the at least two front wheels. The locking mechanism is configured to substantially simultaneously lock both of the at least two front wheels in a rigid-type mounting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda M. Walther, Ethan S. Abernathey, Ishwor P. Adhikari, John H. Kutsch, Vincent R. Lackowski
  • Patent number: 8784284
    Abstract: An infant muscle training apparatus includes an apparatus base, an apparatus frame carried by the apparatus base and at least one assistance harness carried by the apparatus frame. The assistance harness has at least one resilient or elastic assistance band carried by the apparatus frame and a flexible, U-shaped arm strap carried by the assistance band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff Smith
  • Publication number: 20140141940
    Abstract: A training aid for skaters is described which comprises a frame consisting of a seat, handle bars, and at least one leg or ski. Preferably the frame has four leg supports to provide maximum balance. However three leg supports with one front leg support and two rear leg supports, or two front leg supports and one rear leg support could be used. Alternatively, only one front leg support and one rear leg support could be used, or one front leg support and one rear leg support could be connected to a single ski. In some examples, the ends of the leg supports are comprised of pvc piping while in other cases the leg supports are attached to skis. Various forms of bracing can be used to strengthen the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Ellen Simon
  • Patent number: 8679041
    Abstract: A joint drive type link mechanism provided with a link including a joint portion at an intermediary thereof, and a driving source for the joint portion, wherein a link member configuring the link is mounted with the driving source and electric components used for the control of the driving source, in which the link is prevented from being heated by the heat of the electric components is provided. The link member includes an interior space in which the electric components are arranged and has the driving source is arranged thereon with an air inlet connecting to the interior space and an exhaust outlet for exhausting the air passing through the interior space. Further, the interior space is provided with fans as well as a heat sink for cooling the air after air-cooling the electric components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Tatsuya Noda
  • Publication number: 20140031175
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame having two parallel tracks, two platforms mounted on the first track by a sliding bearing, and two platforms mounted on the second track by a sliding bearing. The tracks are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the platforms on different tracks to move freely past each other. A transverse interlock allows selective connection of platforms on different tracks for movement together and a longitudinal interlock allows selective connection of platforms on the same track for movement together. The frame includes cross braces connecting the rails at their ends, and the rails, cross braces, and platforms all include connecting points for permitting the user to selectively connect to and between the frame and the platforms a variety of exercise accessories or appliances. The accessories can include elastic resistance bands, cord and pulley assemblies, handles, weights, and appliances for administering physical therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Charles A. Peralo
  • Patent number: 8597162
    Abstract: A mobility apparatus for a patient permitting improved mobility is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a locomotion assembly, a forearm support assembly, a kinematic and kinetic feedback assembly and optionally a back support assembly, where the apparatus provides mobility assistance, while permitting visualization of movement velocity, loaded and unloaded motion, and other information concerning a patients proper use of the mobility assistance apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regeants, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: William E. Amonette, Kirk L. English, William L. Buford, Jr., Billy W. Amonette
  • Patent number: 8523742
    Abstract: A baby walker is introduced herein. The baby walker includes a base and a pair of shoulder straps. The base is made by flexible materials such as plastics, or the similar materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the base of the baby walker may be packaged in a deflated form, and may be filled with air to form a shape as desired for an operation mode. The baby walker further includes a pair of shoulder straps which are firmly and fixedly attached in a peripheral upper side of the base. When the baby is placed in a central cavity of the base, the pair of the shoulder straps can be placed alongside the two shoulders of the baby. When the baby wears the baby walker and stands up, the whole baby walker is lifted up for a height above the ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Peter Ar-Fu Lam, Chun-Ting Lee, Ting-Ku Tao
  • Publication number: 20130095981
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable skateboarding fitness equipment having a dual-rail track bar in a circular arc shape and slidably sheathed on a cushion frame by a pulley, a turnable cushion seat pivotally coupled to the cushion frame by a ball bearing, a front support frame of an elbow support cushion fixed separately on both sides of the top of the track bar by a pivoting base, a link rod pivotally coupled between the bottom of the front support frame and the top of the track bar, such that a user can kneel on the cushion seat and push the cushion seat to drive the cushion frame to slide back and forth along the track bar, as well as contracting and bending the waist or abdomen to rotate the cushion seat to the left and the right.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Tseng Chung-Ting, Wei-Yu Ho
  • Patent number: 8394044
    Abstract: The present invention provides a walking assist device including a seat member (1) where a user (P) sits astride; and a support member (2L, 2R) which is provided at a bottom side of the seat member (1); wherein the walking assist device includes a connection portion (106) which connects the seat member (1) to the support member (2L, 2R) in such a way that the seat member (1) is able to swing laterally around a spindle (106a) located at a middle portion of the anteroposterior width of the seat member (1) which the user (P) contacts. Therefore, the resistance force from the seat portion that the user (P) is subject to when the user (P) swings the hip to walk is reduced, thereby improving the usability of the walking assist device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Ashihara, Hiroshi Kudoh
  • Patent number: 8382645
    Abstract: A method of exercising a human body, the method comprising: providing a sliding element having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body, and a sliding surface adapted to slide on a exercise floor; placing the sliding element on an exercise floor and placing the human body limb on the body portion; and performing an exercise routine including sliding the sliding element by moving the human body limb. The exercise routine includes routines performed with the human body in a standing position; routines performed with the human body in a prone position; routines performed with the human body in a supine position; and routines performed with the human body in a side-lying position. The invention also includes an exercise device for exercising a human body, the device comprising: a sliding disc having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body; and a sliding surface adapted to slide on an exercise floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Savvier, LP
    Inventors: Mindy Mylrea, Jeff Tuller
  • Publication number: 20130023385
    Abstract: A multifunctional sponge safety baby walker comprises a body (1) and some support legs (3) located on the bottom of the body (1), wherein the body (1) is made of PU high density foaming material and can be made by molding, a manned hollow structure (2) is provided in the body (1), a cushion (4) for a stretching leg hole (4.1) is provided in the hollow structure (2), and the support legs (3) are slidable. The baby walker can be made into various animals and plants styles and art styles with cartoon child-taste, and also can be used as water recreation articles and building blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Bohong Xiao
  • Publication number: 20130012364
    Abstract: A training sled and service promote proper form when running. The training sled is configurable for adding weights in some embodiments to increase friction and provide for weight-training by lifting portions of the sled. Sled components are slidably or pivotably connected to permit lifting a shoulder member of the sled to different heights for exercise, and to achieve an optimal training angle for an athlete to train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Chad Leath
  • Patent number: 8323222
    Abstract: A control system for a walking assist device includes a ground detecting means having a plurality of force sensors equipped to each foot attachment portion. Each ground sensor selectively outputs a ground state output and non-ground state output in accordance with whether the foot attachment portion is grounded at a position immediately below the ground sensor. The control system is equipped with means that continuously generate reference data for each of the ground detecting means, where the reference data increases and decreases in value in accordance with the change of a total number of the ground sensors generating ground state output in the ground detecting means. Also, a means that determines a mutual desired proportion of the supporting force to be applied to the both leg links from the floor side is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Ikeuchi, Yoshihisa Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8303524
    Abstract: A control device for a walking assist device is provided. The control device has a means that decides whether the total sum of measured values of treading forces of the legs of a user is greater than a predetermined value and a means which determines a predetermined ratio according to observed values or desired values of reference parameters obtained immediately before a negative determination result by using supporting forces acting on the leg links from the floor side as the reference parameters. This is in the case where the determination result of the decision means is negative and is a process undertaken instead of determining the predetermined ratio between the supporting forces acting on the leg links according to the measured values of the treading forces of the legs of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ikeuchi
  • Patent number: 8303525
    Abstract: Provided is a walking assist device including a seat member having a holding portion to be held by a user, a leg link connected to the seat member, and a driving source capable of driving the leg link in a direction of pushing up the seat member. At least a part of the body weight of a user is supported by the leg link through the seat member. The walking assist device can be self-mounted easily by the user. When a holding detection unit detects that the holding portion is held by the user, the walking assist device performs a mounting assist control by driving the leg link in the direction of pushing up the seat member until a seating detection unit detects the contact of the seat member with the crotch of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Ikeuchi, Jun Ashihara
  • Patent number: 8298164
    Abstract: Provided is a motion assisting device capable of assisting a periodical walking motion of a creature so as to conduct a smooth motion of a leg thereof. According to the motion assisting device, an assisting force applied to the creature so as to assist a leg of the creature in moving with respect to a body thereof is reinforced by an increment in an auxiliary coefficient increased in a reinforcement duration. Accordingly, the stretch motion of the leg at the on-ground state is assisted by a relatively stronger assisting force. Thereby, the body is conducted to translate forward by a floor reaction force subjected to the leg at the on-ground state. A flexion motion of the leg at an off-ground state is induced by a reflex (stretch reflex) to the stretch motion of the leg by the assisting force at a previous off-ground state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 8186367
    Abstract: A foldable walker includes upstanding legs arranged in a generally square pattern, each of which is capped by a fixed joint member and each of which has a slider member slideably disposed on it. Two forward legs are interconnected by two rigid links arranged in a scissors arrangement with the uppermost end of each link pivotally connected to a fixed joint member and the lowermost end of each link pivotally connected to a slider. Each forward leg is interconnected to its associated rearward leg in the same way. Each pair of rigid links is interconnected to one another by a pivot pin. The linkage enables the width and the depth of the walker to be reduced to a very small space and telescoping legs reduce the height dimension of the walker. Handles are folded when the walker is stored and pivoted into their operable position when the walker is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Tuan Le tran, Sukru Gokcek
  • Publication number: 20120053022
    Abstract: A baby walker is introduced herein. The baby walker includes a base and a pair of shoulder straps. The base is made by flexible materials such as plastics, or the similar materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the base of the baby walker may be packaged in a deflated form, and may be filled with air to form a shape as desired for an operation mode. The baby walker further includes a pair of shoulder straps which are firmly and fixedly attached in a peripheral upper side of the base. When the baby is placed in a central cavity of the base, the pair of the shoulder straps can be placed alongside the two shoulders of the baby. When the baby wears the baby walker and stands up, the whole baby walker is lifted up for a height above the ground level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Peter Ar-Fu Lam, Chun-Ting Lee, Ting-Ku Tao
  • Publication number: 20110177920
    Abstract: A cyclical skating motion exercise machine has a base frame assembly. A first pedal arm mounted on a first pedal axle, wherein the first pedal axle is substantially vertical. A first link assembly mounted to the first pedal arm at a first pedal joint. The first pedal joint provides motion between the first link assembly and the first pedal arm. A first pedal mounted to the first pedal arm for supporting a user's foot. A second pedal arm is mounted on a second pedal axle, wherein the second pedal axle is substantially vertical. A crank assembly has a first link assembly is mounted to the crank assembly, and the crank assembly has rotational inertia is substantially orthogonally to the first pedal axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Yong S. Chu
  • Patent number: 7942833
    Abstract: A device for inducing a user's motion in a rhythm responsive to a motion rhythm after the user's motion rhythm changes suddenly. The walking assist device generates a first oscillator which attains mutual entrainment with a user's hip joint angular velocity to reflect a natural angular velocity. On the other hand, a new natural angular velocity is set based on the phase difference between the hip joint angular velocity and the first oscillator. A second oscillator which oscillates in rhythm reflecting the natural angular velocity is generated. An inducing oscillator is generated based on the second oscillator, and a torque responsive to the inducing oscillator acts on the user's body. If the magnitude of a periodic variation in the hip joint angular velocity exceeds a threshold value, a second oscillator which oscillates in rhythm reflecting the angular velocity of the first oscillator instead of the natural angular velocity is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 7914422
    Abstract: An exercise device for exercising a person's body is provided. The exercise device comprises a frame having a first side rail, a second side rail substantially perpendicular to the first side rail, a front rail between the first side rail and the second side rail, and a rear rail opposite the front rail and between the first side rail and the second side rail. A front axle is mounted to the front rail and a rear axle is mounted to the first side rail and the second side rail adjacent the rear rail. A wheel is rotatably attached to each end of each axle. A handlebar is pivotally mounted to and between the first side rail and the second side rail. A propelling gear is rotatably mounted on the handlebar between the first side rail and the second side rail with the gear rotatable in only one direction. A freewheel/gear system is mounted on the rear axle and a rotatable gear is mounted to the front rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Leonardo Villanueva
  • Patent number: 7883483
    Abstract: A control device and a control program of a walking assisting device, wherein a desired assist ratio, which is a desired value of the ratio of a force to be supplied by a walking assisting device (1) in a total tread force of a user (A) relative to the total tread forces is set, the shares of a lifting force to be applied to the user (A) from a seating part (2) which are to be borne by the leg links (3L, 3R) are determined from the desire assist ratio and the tread forces of the legs of the user (A) measured on the basis of outputs of force sensors (38, 38, 39, 39), and actuators (27, 27) of the leg links (3L, 3R) are controlled such that the determined shares of the lifting force are generated from the leg links (3L, 3R).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ido, Yasushi Ikeuchi
  • Publication number: 20110009245
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a portable child development station. More specifically, an infant crawling and walking aid. The invention is collapsible and can be stored in smaller confines. When the invention is set up, it is structurally sound and safe with detachable variations allowing assistance in crawling as well as walking by suspending the infant with variable height adjustments to accommodate infant. The invention is collapsible for storing in smaller confines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel William Flowers, James W. Flowers
  • Patent number: 7789806
    Abstract: A scissors-like exercising apparatus includes two bodies intersecting with each other, a pivoting unit located between the two bodies, and two sliding units coupled to lower ends of the two bodies. To operate the present invention, the user grasps the tops of the two bodies and stands on the sliding units to retract and extend the two bodies inward and outward like the operation of a pair of scissors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Chung-Chin Yang
  • Patent number: 7771373
    Abstract: A control device and a control program of a walking assisting device, wherein a desired assist ratio, which is a desired value of the ratio of a force to be supplied by a walking assisting device in a total tread force of a user relative to the total tread forces is set, the shares of a lifting force to be applied to the user from a seating part which are to be borne by the leg links are determined from the desire assist ratio and the tread forces of the legs of the user measured on the basis of outputs of force sensors, and actuators of the leg links are controlled such that the determined shares of the lifting force are generated from the leg links. Thus, a force required for the user to support himself/herself by his/her legs on a floor can be reduced while reducing the number of parts to be attached to each leg of the user, and an assisting force for achieving such reductions can be properly shared between the leg links corresponding to the legs of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ido, Yasushi Ikeuchi
  • Publication number: 20100062906
    Abstract: An exercise device is provided, having a frame, an arm link pivotally coupled to the frame, a leg link pivotally coupled to the frame and a countermovement mechanism coupling the arm link and the leg link to enable substantially opposite direction of movement of the arm link relative to the leg link. A first and second set of the arm and leg links may be provided and positioned each adjacent a seat adapted to support a user. The range of motion of the arm links and therefore the leg links are controlled by the user as well as the direction of movement of the first set relative to the second set. This enables the user to perform a simulated walking gait exercise by moving the first and second arm links in generally opposing directions or an abdominal exercise by moving the first and second arms links in substantially the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin G. Abelbeck
  • Publication number: 20090318271
    Abstract: In a device for training the musculature of the human locomotor system, comprising a support unit which is at least indirectly attached at one end to a holding arm and at the other end can be releasably attached to a patient, wherein the holding arm is at least indirectly mounted, at its bottom end remote from the support unit, on a carrier chassis by means of at least one resilient element, training of walking or running movements implementing natural movement dynamics without risk of stumbling or falling is made possible in that a resilient element is coupled to at least one stabilizing assembly, which prevents torsion of the holding arm about its longitudinal axis and also restricts movement of the holding arm such that the end of the holding arm remote from the carrier chassis is capable of movement over a predetermined area and the support unit pivotally attached to the holding arm is thereby capable of movement within a predetermined volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: medica-Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Otto Höbel